Toe sprains are graded according to ligament damage. The more ligaments damaged, the more severe the injury.

Grade 1

Some microtearing of ligament tissue

Grade 2

Partial tearing of ligament tissue

Mild instability of the joint

Grade 3

Severe or complete tearing of ligament tissue

Significant instability of the joint

Treatment

Treatment includes:

Self-care

Rest—Avoid using the injured toe.

Ice—Apply ice or a cold pack to your toe for 15 to 20 minutes. Do this 4 times a day for 2 to 3 days or until the pain goes away. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin.

Compression—If the injured toe is the big toe, wrap a 2-inch elastic compression bandage around it. Put several wraps around the big toe and then include the rest of the forefoot within the bandage. This will limit swelling of your big toe. Other toes cannot be effectively compressed with a bandage.
It is important not to cut off blood circulation to your toe or any body part when using such wraps. Do not make them very tight.

Elevation—Keep the injured foot raised above the level of your heart for 48 hours. You can use a pillow. This will help drain fluid and reduce swelling.

Protection—Wear a shoe with a stiff sole to help protect the injured toe.

Medication

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and over-the-counter pain medications may be advised.

Topical pain medications, such as creams, patches, can also be applied to the skin.

Prevention

Often, toe sprains cannot be prevented. However, to reduce your risk of getting a sprained toe, wear stiff-soled athletic shoes when playing sports.

Proper treatment of toe sprains can help prevent long-term complications or problems with the toe joint, such as misalignment and immobility.

Sports injuries. National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sports_Injuries/default.asp. Published April 2009. Accessed September 12, 2013.

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